SOCIAL INTERACTIONS OF COMMUNITY SPACE ATTENDEES AND ANTICIPATED FUNCTION OF THE SPACE AMID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract Introduction A regional community space in Japan, Chiiki-Katsudokan, was founded to facilitate the social interactions of older adults through activities. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic occasionally forced this space to close or limited the volume of its participants. In this research, the operation of the space was reviewed by monitoring the changes in the social interactions of the attendees, and by investigating the anticipated function from the attendees' needs. Method: A semi-structured interview targeting the attendees of Chiiki-Katsudokan was conducted in December 2021 (N=19, main age:80s). The level of social interaction before and during the pandemic and the newly anticipated function of the space were examined. Results First, deep and light interactions were observed. Those with deep interactions initially had wide social connections and used Chiiki-Katsudokan to interact with friends. Meanwhile, those with light interactions only talked to other attendees while attending the space. During the quarantine, those with deep interactions stayed connected with others and met privately, while those with light interactions faced a higher risk of social isolation. Second, the most popular newly anticipated functions of the space were "Place to gather with friends (n=14)" and "Interaction with younger generation (n=14)." "Opportunity to learn about the new pandemic-lifestyle (n=11)" was also rated high, while need for "online events" was rated the lowest (n=7). Conclusion The pandemic re-emphasized older adults' need for direct interaction. Low interest in technology-based countermeasures suggested that community spaces should expand their operation method while considering offline methods (e.g., pen-pal system) that could enhance social interaction.

different disabilities (i.e., mobility, cognitive, sensory, socioemotional), followed by a group discussion. Preliminary findings showed that the bathroom and kitchen had the most barriers. Recommendations to improve bathroom safety include installing high friction flooring, grab bars on both toilet sides, adequate wheelchair maneuvering space, and color contrast. Cooking was mentioned as a difficult activity and solutions included appliances at waist level, layout in "C" or a "U", lights under cabinets, and in the foot space. Also, the cabinets doors should be translucent to allow them to check what is inside. The house floor plan should be designed with considerations of users' everyday activities and the relationship between these activities, such as having the bathroom nearby bedroom, laundry nearby the kitchen to improve users 'mobility. We have developed a protocol for designers to follow when evaluating home spaces.

SENIOR HOUSINGS' ROLE FOR AGING IN PLACE: FOCUSING ON THE NATIONAL PROFILE OF INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITIES IN KOREA
Sojung Park 1 , and ByeongJu Ryu 2 , 1. Washington University in St. Louis,St. Louis,Missouri,United States,2. Chuncheon Hyoja Social Welfare Center,Republic of Korea Understanding the changing preference for alternative housing arrangements is important due to the confluence of a global population aging, increasing cost concern for long-term care, and the desire of older people for aging in place (AIP). To date, little is known about to what extent the current housing models meets the needs of AIP for older people. Guided by the Person-Environment fit perspective, we examined the South Korean case using the first national data on independent living facilities (ILF) for older adults. Employing a convergent mixed-method design, we conducted a quantitative analysis of 277 ILFs and qualitative interviews with executive directors and managers from 10 facilities. We found the majority of the housings serve the low-income, and the residents' health status varies widely (i.e., ranging from fully independent to those homebound). However, the characteristics and nature of services available and staff composition are not adequate to meet the needs of the residents. Notably, privacy issues (i.e., a shared restroom and bedroom) in congregate settings stood out, decreasing the occupancy rate. Our findings suggest that the housing model needs to be diversified corresponding to the resident's needs for health and social care and economic affordability and should respect their privacy needs. We discussed ways to reform the current policy governing the ILFs, including strengthening service coordination programs to alleviate gaps between the residents' needs and the service availability. Our findings provide implications for improving and reforming the existing housing model to age in place in Korea and potentially other aging societies.

SOCIAL INTERACTIONS OF COMMUNITY SPACE ATTENDEES AND ANTICIPATED FUNCTION OF THE SPACE AMID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Mai Takase 1 , Ryogo Ogino 2 , Ryoichi Nitanai 1 , Riko Nakayama 1 , Hongjik Kim 1 , Neo Kazembe 1 , Jun Goto 3 , and Katsuya Iijima 1 , 1. The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, 2. Saga University, Saga, Saga, Japan, 3. Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Tokyo, Japan, Introduction: A regional community space in Japan, Chiiki-Katsudokan, was founded to facilitate the social interactions of older adults through activities. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic occasionally forced this space to close or limited the volume of its participants. In this research, the operation of the space was reviewed by monitoring the changes in the social interactions of the attendees, and by investigating the anticipated function from the attendees' needs. Method: A semi-structured interview targeting the attendees of Chiiki-Katsudokan was conducted in December 2021 (N=19, main age:80s). The level of social interaction before and during the pandemic and the newly anticipated function of the space were examined.
Results: First, deep and light interactions were observed. Those with deep interactions initially had wide social connections and used Chiiki-Katsudokan to interact with friends. Meanwhile, those with light interactions only talked to other attendees while attending the space. During the quarantine, those with deep interactions stayed connected with others and met privately, while those with light interactions faced a higher risk of social isolation. Second, the most popular newly anticipated functions of the space were "Place to gather with friends (n=14)" and "Interaction with younger generation (n=14)." "Opportunity to learn about the new pandemic-lifestyle (n=11)" was also rated high, while need for "online events" was rated the lowest (n=7).
Conclusion: The pandemic re-emphasized older adults' need for direct interaction. Low interest in technology-based countermeasures suggested that community spaces should expand their operation method while considering offline methods (e.g., pen-pal system) that could enhance social interaction.

TYPES OF ATTENDEES IN COMMUNITY SPACE IN JAPAN: TOWARD DESIGNING AN ENVIRONMENT FOR SOCIAL PARTICIPATION
Mai Takase 1 , Ryogo Ogino 2 , Ryoichi Nitanai 1 , Riko Nakayama 1 , Hongjik Kim 1 , Neo Kazembe 1 , Jun Goto 3 , and Katsuya Iijima 1 , 1. The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, 2. Saga University, Saga, Saga, Japan, 3. Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Tokyo, Japan Introduction: Designing community space for social participation of older adults is essential for healthy aging. The behavioral characteristics of the attendees have much to offer as they relate to social settings designed in the space. This study aims to elucidate the basic typology of the attendees considering their motivation for attendance and state of social connection.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews targeting attendees of Chiiki-Katsudokan, a space designed for social participation in a larger aging estate in Japan, were conducted in December 2021 (N=16, 16% male). Attendees were asked about their reasons for attending events at Chiiki-Katsudokan, interaction levels with other attendees, and levels of social participation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results: Based on the interviews, attendees were classified into three types: Seeker, Hobbyist, and Socializer. First, Seekers (n=3) used Chiiki-Katsudokan as the primary means of preventing social isolation. Amongst the three types, the social interaction level of Seekers was the lightest, and the opportunity decreased when Chiiki-Katsudokan closed during the quarantine. Second, the main motivation for Hobbyists (n=5) was the event contents which matched their interests.
Hobbyists were also likely to engage in hobby networks, which continued privately during the pandemic. Finally, Socializers (n=8) attended Chiiki-Katsudokan to communicate with friends. Many were initially socially active and engaged in social interaction outside Chiiki-Katsudokan, e.g., teatime with friends, during the quarantine.
Conclusion: This study suggested that designing community space for social participation requires defining the varying levels of engagement and expecting relationships outside the space based on the behavioral characteristics of the attendees.

MEANINGFUL ACTIVITY ENGAGEMENT AND WELL-BEING AMONG DISABLED OLDER ADULTS: THE MODERATED ROLE OF ENVIRONMENT
Yi-Hsuan Tung 1 , Iris Chi 1 , Shinyi Wu 1 , and Shiau-Fang Chao 2 , 1. University of Southern California,Los Angeles,California,United States,2. National Taiwan University,Taipei,Taipei,Taiwan (Republic of China) Engaging in meaningful activities has been seen as an important way to sustain the well-being of older adults with disabilities and to achieve person-centered care. Yet, it is still unclear whether and to what extent meaningful activity engagement promotes well-being for community-dwelling older adults with disabilities, and how the environmental factors could affect these relationships. This study aims to investigate the relationship between meaningful activity engagement and psychological well-being, and to explore the moderated role of environmental factors (physical, attitudinal, service/support, policy). Survey data conducted in Taiwan between April and July of 2018 were analyzed by using multiple regression (N=1,244). Three types of meaningful activities (instrumental, social, and leisure) were identified based on a self-rated activity meaningfulness measure. Findings showed that higher levels of engagement in three types of meaningful activities were associated with better quality of life (QOL), but only engaging in meaningful leisure was associated with less depressive symptoms while adjusting functional status. Perceived better policy-related environment (e.g., long-term care services) could reinforce the positive effects of three types of meaningful activity engagement on QOL and depressive symptoms. Findings also indicated perceived attitudinal environment moderated the association between meaningful leisure activity engagement and QOL. These results established the influences of meaningful activity engagement on the well-being of communitydwelling older adults with disabilities and highlight the importance of age-friendly environment in supporting meaningful activity engagement and older adults' well-being.

ATTITUDES ABOUT AGING (POSTERS) OLDER ADULTS' INDIVIDUAL TRAJECTORIES IN SOCIAL STATUS AND AGING ANXIETY
Tim Kuball, and Georg Jahn, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Sachsen, Germany A high social standing in comparison to others is associated with positive psychological and health outcomes. Highest social standing is assigned to the group of middle-aged adults, hence, on average, older adults face a loss in status relative